Effects of Air Pollution in Humans

For years, it’s been understood that the effects of air pollution in humans are seriously detrimental to health. Increasingly, as the measurements are refined, the projections grow more dire. Air pollution is a problem for global warming, which is bad for all of us in the long term, but it’s also disastrous for health in a way we can see right now.

Air pollution is seriously detrimental to human health.

Los Angeles has always been famous for its horrible smog. People recall times in the 1950s and 1960s when smog was so bad, it was like walking through a brown haze. The coughing surprised no one, but many people were getting steadily sicker than they knew. Problems ranged from the minor but annoying, such as allergies, to the deadly serious, such as lung disease. Immune systems were overloaded, so that many adults who grew up in Los Angeles during that time are now developing asthma, years after the fact and even though the city’s air is moderately cleaner thanks to California’s strict emissions standards.

At its most benign, the effects of air pollution in humans include irritated eyes, throats and lungs. Eyes may be itchy and red, requiring saline drops to feel better, and there may be some coughing. Someone who is exercising and thus breathing more deeply may have a stronger reaction, as well anyone with an already compromised immune system.

For most people, the discomfort caused by air pollution will dissipate once they are indoors where the air is, presumably, cleaner. However, it’s been noticed for a number of years now that the incidence of childhood illnesses is on the rise, particularly in cities that have a problem with air quality. Bronchitis and earaches which are common enough complaints, have grown more severe and are striking more frequently.

An even bigger problem is asthma, which is becoming more and more common. What used to be a comparatively rare disease is now almost common. Cities that have been reluctant to spend the money and enact the legislation required to improve air quality are now finding that their health costs are spiraling.

While the effects of air pollution in humans are felt by everyone. Children are particularly vulnerable for three major reasons. First, they have faster breathing rates than adults. Second, they tend to play outdoors more, engaging in activities such as soccer and thus speeding up their breathing even more. Third, their lungs are still developing and thus more vulnerable. Parents have to be especially vigilant about maintaining high-quality air in the house and noting days when the outside air is particularly bad, thus forcing a child to abandon sport that day.

It can feel like a losing battle to try and improve air quality. As the world grows smaller, it’s noticed that the bad air in China blows over the ocean and affects people in America. Some cities in China have such bad air, people wear masks when on the street and there are even public oxygen masks available for whomever needs one. Improving air quality will take worldwide effort and vigilance.

There are many things the individual can do. One of the biggest is choosing to take public transportation – or anything that reduces car emissions. Walking, riding a bike or carpooling all helps. When you do drive, try to use gas-saving tips and when it’s time for a new car, choose one with better mileage, such as a hybrid. At home, you should also avoid using a wood fireplace or coal burning stove. Alternative sources of heat are better for the environment.

We all need to agitate further to enact legislation that forces businesses to control their emissions. And if every state adopted California’s strict laws on cars, it would make a tremendous difference. We all need to breathe, so we should all be active in creating clean air.

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